The way you store fuel on your farm is controlled by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996. There are certain things you must do to be compliant. These may include obtaining a Test Certificate for the location, an Approved Handler and the storage facility (stationary container system).
What is a Location Test Certificate?
A Location Test Certificate verifies that hazardous substances are stored safely away from other structures, combustible materials, dwellings, and ignition sources. It requires you to be prepared for an emergency that may include secondary containment (or bunding) to contain any spills.
The Location Test Certificate can be obtained from a Test Certifier. A test certificate can be issued for one year or up to three years. Your test certifier can advise you on what to do.
Do I need a Location Test Certificate for Petrol and Diesel?
See also: Test Certificates where fuel is stored at a farm
Storage of diesel does not require a Location Test Certificate, regardless of quantity or type of storage. However, for diesel an underground tank of any size or an above ground tank greater than 5000 litres, will require a Stationary Container Test Certificate.
Above ground storage of petrol, whether in a storage tank or drums, in quantities up to 2000 litres, will not require a Location Test Certificate provided the farm is more than four hectares. The tank or drums must:
- comply with the design, construction and installation requirements
- be located at least 20 metres from dwellings or other buildings made of combustible materials and at least 6 metres from other dangerous goods or any combustible materials
- be compounded (bunded) or located so that any spillage will not endanger any building, or flow into any natural water body.
A Location Test Certificate is required where petrol is stored above ground in quantities over 2000 litres, or where it is stored in an underground tank of any size or where the storage is not in compliance with the above conditions and the quantity exceeds 50 litres.
Approved Practice Guide
ERMA NZ has released an Approved Practice Guide for Safe Above-Ground Fuel Storage on Farms.
What is an Approved Handler?
An Approved Handler is a person trained and certified to handle certain highly hazardous substances.
Do I need to be an Approved Handler?
You may need to be an Approved Handler if you have petrol in quantities over 2000 litres. The storage of diesel does not require an Approved Handler.
Farmers will not generally need to be Approved Handlers for their farm fuel storage and use, but they must have been properly trained and received guidance on the hazards of petrol, its safe use and handling, and the steps to be taken in the event of spillage or other emergency.
What is a Stationary Container Test Certificate?
See also: Test Certificates where fuel is stored at a farm
A Stationary Container Test Certificate shows that bulk fuel tanks meet requirements in regard to their design, construction, installation and maintenance, and have the appropriate fittings. There are provisions which allow existing tanks to continue in use. Contact a Test Certifier for more information.
Do all bulk fuel tanks need a Stationary Container Test Certificate?
Stationary Container Test Certificates are needed for existing or new:
- below ground tanks of any size
- above ground petrol tanks greater than 2500 litres
- above ground diesel tanks greater than 5000 litres
What is secondary containment?
Liquid hazardous substances are generally required to be stored in facilities which provide for secondary containment - sometimes referred to as bunding or compounding. Where fuels are stored together on farms, in tanks or drums the trigger quantity for secondary containment is 2000 litres.
However, where diesel is stored at least 6 meters from other fuel, in a tank(s) that was in place prior to April 2004, compounding is not needed if the total capacity of the tank(s) doesn’t exceed 2500 litres.
An existing petrol tank over 2000 litres, or diesel tank over 2500 litres, must comply with one of the following:
- Be bunded; or
- Be managed in accordance with a code of practice or compliance plan which sets out a programme for bringing the tank into compliance with HSNO or otherwise provides a satisfactory means of environmental protection; for example:
- make sure your tank is of sound construction with no sign of leaks
- make sure your fittings, pumps and hoses are free of leaks and undamaged
- have an isolation valve fitted on the tank outlet before the dispensing hose to ensure there is a means to isolate the tank contents should the dispensing hose or nozzle develop a leak
- See that your hose is fitted with a proper filling nozzle with a trigger valve mechanism
- have available an appropriate spill kit for the fuel being stored.
Whether existing or new, for tanks below these sizes they must
comply with other conditions if they do not have a bund. A summary
of these :
[bullet point] The Tank must be located at least
20 metres from buildings in which people may be present, and at
least 6 metres from non-flammable hazardous substances.
[bullet point] The tank must be located so that any spillage will
not endanger any building or flow into any natural water way.
Full details can be found in the Approved Practise Guide for the
Above Ground Storage of Fuels on Farms (include link).
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/APG-Above-ground
fuel storage on farms - changes or diesel_v1.1.pdf
How do I find a Test Certifier?
To find a test certifier, refer to the ERMA New Zealand Test Certifier Register
Further information
You can contact a hazardous substance enforcement officer in your district, normally the Department of Labour.
Test certifiers can also offer you independent advice.
ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131, Wellington
Tel: 0800 376 234 or 04 916 2426
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz